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“It is an honor to join you to mark Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with distinguished Members of Congress from America’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities who are working hard and making a real difference here in Washington.

“My good friend, John Berry, in his four years at the helm of the Office of Personnel Management, demonstrated outstanding leadership, much as he did when he served on my staff for ten years and was a principal architect of the Federal Employee Pay Comparability Act.

"As we mark the anniversary of Cesar Chavez's birth, I join in celebrating the legacy of a civil rights giant who raised the voices of millions who were not being heard. In his work at the helm of the United Farm Workers and throughout a life spent fighting injustice and discrimination facing Hispanics and many other Americans, Chavez set an example of true courage in the face of adversity.

The Postal Service’s announcement that it will end Saturday delivery of mail underscores the need for the House to get serious about comprehensive reform that puts the U.S. Postal Service on a long-term, fiscally sustainable path.

“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to reflect on the countless contributions African-Americans have made in making the promise of America the practice of America. Having recently marked the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, we recalled the struggle of those who worked to bring freedom to millions suffering the injustices of slavery. We also remembered the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fifty years ago shared a vision of brotherhood that caused the walls raised by a century of Jim Crow to crumble.

“I congratulate Denis McDonough on being named as the next White House Chief of Staff. As someone who has served President Obama since before his election in a variety of critical roles, he will bring to his new job a depth of experience. In his current position as Deputy National Security Advisor, Denis has been instrumental in achieving the President’s foreign policy goals and keeping our nation safe from a range of threats from abroad. I am confident that he will continue to provide President Obama with sound counsel and help him manage his Administration’s ongoing efforts to create jobs, address the challenge of our deficits, and protect our citizens from harm at home and overseas.

“I join in thanking U.S. Trade Representative Amb. Ron Kirk for his four years of dedicated service as America’s chief advocate for exports and fair trade practices. Under his leadership, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative oversaw the opening of new markets for our businesses and the implementation of tougher trade enforcement rules that help ensure a level playing field for American products overseas. Throughout this tenure, Amb. Kirk has stressed that when American businesses can compete fairly, they will prosper and create new opportunities for jobs here at home. He has been a strong supporter of American workers and their role as the engine of our economic growth, and I was glad to have had the opportunity to work with him in developing parts of House Democrats’ Make It In America jobs plan to revitalize our manufacturing sector. I wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase in his career.”

“Today, as President Barack Obama took his second oath of office to ‘preserve, protect, and defend’ our Constitution, we reflect on the challenges our nation has faced over the past four years, as well as the ones that lie ahead. President Obama has taken action to strengthen our economy, reduce our deficits, and increase our national security. We have made significant progress over the course of his first term, but we know more needs to be done to make the promise of the American Dream more accessible to every American.

"On Monday, we will join in remembering the tireless work and the inspirational life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his thirty-nine short years walking this Earth, Dr. King preached a gospel of peace and brotherhood that continues to resonate across the country, in the hearts of millions seeking to create a more perfect union for the generations to follow.

“Today, President Obama and Vice President Biden outlined a series of steps to make our communities and children safer from gun violence. From a universal background check to a new ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, from new resources for law enforcement to new initiatives that help those with mental illness access the help they need, the President’s plan is a major step forward to address the epidemic of gun violence that has plagued our country in recent years.

“I am honored to be here to mark this day with you and usher in another Congress where I know the Congressional Black Caucus will have a significant and positive impact. For over forty years, the CBC has been a moral voice in the democratic caucus as well as the conscience of the Congress. By promoting an agenda of middle-class opportunities for traditionally under-represented communities that have historically had to contend with poverty, discrimination, and disenfranchisement, the CBC is making sure that the promise of the American dream is accessible to all our people.

By passing this resolution tonight, Congress sends a message to the people of Newtown: you are not alone. The American people are mourning with you; we are standing beside you in this darkest of hours. And, in the days, weeks, and months ahead, we will begin the healing process with you. We remember the twenty children whose lives were tragically cut far too short. We honor the heroes at Sandy Hook Elementary who acted to save students' lives; and we recognize the first responders who reacted so swiftly.

I was deeply saddened to hear about today’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. What occurred there is every parent’s worst nightmare – a senseless tragedy, leaving us to wonder what could motivate someone to commit such a horrible act against innocent children and those who serve as their educators. My thoughts and prayers are with the students, teachers and families affected by today’s shooting. There can be no consolation other than to know that they have the heartfelt prayers and support of an entire nation.